North and north-east firms can tap into a £17.6 million funding pot to fuel a Scottish “green heat economy”.
Scottish Enterprise (SE) is making the cash available to a wide range of heating system-focused businesses, from manufacturers to technology innovators and the supply chain.
SE’s new Green Heat Innovation Support Programme (GHISP) has been developed in conjunction with the Scottish Government, together with partner agencies Highlands and Islands Enterprise and South of Scotland Enterprise.
It is aimed at supporting and growing a supply chain that can deliver more sustainable heating systems “at scale” in all parts of Scotland.
The development of our heating industry should be seen not only as a challenge which must be met in order to deliver on our ambitions, but as a substantial economic opportunity.”
Patrick Harvie, zero carbon buildings minister.
SE economic opportunities and climate director Suzanne Sosna said: “The Green Heat Innovation Support Programme will build the Scotland-based engineering and manufacturing supply chain to support local and global markets as we develop sustainable heating solutions.
“We are committed to delivering a just transition to a greener economy through our net-zero programmes.
“The scale of opportunity is significant and fast-growing against a backdrop of consumer demand and the need for energy security.
“Our role is to enable businesses to innovate in the green heat market, attract investment, create jobs and expand internationally.”
Zero Carbon Buildings Minister Patrick Harvie said: “The Scottish Government’s Heat in Buildings Strategy sets a hugely ambitious vision to cut carbon and improve energy efficiency across Scotland’s homes and buildings.
“Ensuring we have a strong, skilled supply chain that’s capable of delivering at scale is central to its delivery.
‘Substantial’ economic opportunity
“The development of our heating industry should be seen not only as a challenge which must be met in order to deliver on our ambitions, but as a substantial economic opportunity.
“The Green Heat Innovation Support Programme is designed to help the sector seize this opportunity, and I would urge all eligible businesses to find out more about how the programme can support the growth and development of green heat technology.”
It is estimated building heating systems account for about 20% of Scotland’s total carbon emissions.
The total Scottish heat network market size from 2022 to 2030 is estimated to be worth £5.2 billion, according to research carried out for SE by global engineering, architecture and consultancy company Ramboll.
GHISP is open to manufacturers of heat network components, and heating and energy efficiency products, including “smart” controls.
Applications are open for research and development, and capital support grants.
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